Success in competitive exams like NDA & CDS requires not only a good understanding of grammar and vocabulary, but also the ability to choose the right word in the right context. This is where the topic of Usage of Paired Words — especially those involving homonyms and homophones — becomes essential.
In the Usage of Paired Words MCQ Live Class 2, candidates solved a variety of multiple-choice questions based on commonly confused word pairs. These exercises tested their ability to distinguish between words that sound alike or look alike but have different meanings and functions, a skill that is directly linked to accuracy and clarity in English usage.
What Are Paired Words?
Paired words are typically:
- Homonyms – Words that are spelled or pronounced the same but have different meanings.
Example: “lead” (to guide) vs. “lead” (a metal) - Homophones – Words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
Example: “stationary” (not moving) vs. “stationery” (writing materials)
Understanding these word pairs helps candidates avoid confusion in meaning and choose the correct word based on context — a core requirement in vocabulary-based questions.
Directions: In the following questions a pair of similar sounding words is provided. You are required to select the option that most appropriately describes the meaning of both the words and mark your response on the Answer Sheet accordingly.
Q) Parameter and Perimeter
(a)Parameter means guidelines and Perimeter means guidelines of a particular area
(b)Parameter means border of an enclosed space and Perimeter means border of an open space
(c)Parameter means border of an enclosed space and Perimeter means guidelines
(d)Parameter means guidelines and Perimeter means border of an enclosed space
Ans. (d)
Q) Persecute and Prosecute
(a)Persecute means to make someone suffer and Prosecute means to conduct legal proceedings against someone
(b)Persecute means to conduct legal proceedings against someone and Prosecute means to make someone suffer
(c)Persecute means to execute a person and Prosecute means to conduct legal proceedings against someone
(d)Persecute means to make someone suffer and Prosecute means to imprison
Ans. (a)
Q) Appraise and Apprise
(a) Appraise means to evaluate and Apprise means to give a surprise
(b) Appraise means to set a value on and Apprise means to inform
(c) Appraise means to devalue something and Apprise means to apply for something
(d) Appraise means to dodge a bullet and Apprise means to lighten something
Ans. (b)
Q) Personal and Personnel
(a) Personal means to give something and Personnel means a wallet
(b) Personal means private and Personnel means staff
(c) Personal means blood relation and Personnel means a fit
(d) Personal means to acquire something and Personnel means to be acquired
Ans. (b)
Q) Ascent and Assent
(a)Ascent means agreement and Assent means climb
(b)Ascent means climb and Assent means good
(c)Ascent means climb and Assent means agreement
(d)Ascent means good and Assent means agreement
Ans. (c)
For more questions, check out NDA & CDS 2 2025 Exam English Live – Usage of Paired Words – MCQ Class 2
Why Defence Aspirants Must Master This Topic
- ✅ Avoids silly mistakes in close options
- ✅ Sharpens attention to detail, vital for a future officer
- ✅ Boosts accuracy in error spotting, cloze test, and MCQs
- ✅ Improves communication clarity — important for SSB tasks like lecturette, group discussion, and writing
- ✅ Reflects a candidate’s command of English in both written and spoken contexts
Key Tricks Taught in Class
- Learn paired words through usage — examples, not just definitions
- Check the part of speech (noun, verb, adjective) before choosing
- Underline context clues that hint at the required meaning
- Maintain a personal list of confusing word pairs with sentences
- Practice mock tests with time limits to sharpen decision-making
Final Takeaway
The Usage of Paired Words MCQ Live Class 2 focused on strengthening the candidates’ understanding of homonyms and homophones, which frequently confuse even advanced learners. By solving contextual MCQs and discussing the logic behind correct answers, aspirants built the confidence to handle such questions in the actual NDA & CDS 2 2025 exams.
As a bonus, mastering paired words doesn’t just help in exams — it also builds the language precision and alertness expected from future officers in the armed forces.
